Chapter 3 Rose opened her eyes. She was standing in the middle of a fluffy white cloud. A huge gate made of solid gold was in front of her. “Are you Rose?” A light brown cat with darker brown eyes swooped down on her (He was wearing wings-and after all that had happened, it didn’t seem strange). Rose felt like she knew this cat, but she couldn’t put her paw on it. Maybe it was just because the stranger cat with freaky wings seemed so happy to see her, yet concerned. “Yes,” Rose said, turning around to examine the background. “This is the Golden Gates, isn’t it?” “Y-yes,” the cat stammered. “I can’t be dead!” Shock ran through Rose’s body. “I-I-I just can’t!” “You’re aren’t, but it’s not so bad,” the brown cat said. “But I don’t know what happens if you get used to it.” Rose stared at the cat. “You haven’t been here long then,” she said slowly. “You were killed just some time before?” The cat nodded. “In the Journey,” he said sadly. “I hope you do survive.” “You can’t be from last time’s Journey,” she said. “It hasn’t been run in over eight to nine years. They only decided to restart it because they were confident that we Wilfurs could handle it.” “Yes,” the cat’s wings wilted slightly and he dropped to the ground. Rose sucked in a breath, which choked her with realization. “Green?” she managed. “I died in Skyline,” Green said solemnly. “I heard that you were there. Listen, Rose. That town is really dangerous. Tell me that you aren’t in an old, rickety, wooden building with no windows or sunlight?” Green’s face fell when Rose nodded. “You have to get out,” he insisted. “That’s what killed me. The shadows are an illusion. They make you believe that you’re trapped so you won’t run. Then their leader, and it’s hard to believe, but she’s Lake’s sister, comes and kills you. When you wake up, fight the shadows. Then you can run out the door. I recommend toppling the tower. All you have to do is jam your shoulder against a broken part. It’ll save you, make the town safe, and protect others.” Green met Rose’s eyes with a determined nod, which Rose returned. “Goodbye.” Then the dream, along with Green, disappeared. Rose woke up to pain. The shadows dragged her back. Remember what Green said, and don’t dwell on the fact that he’s dead, a little voice told her in the back of her mind. Rose thrust herself through the shadows. It seemed surprisingly easy, like real shadows. She was thrown on the floor brutely. Rose felt around in the darkness for her leaf satchel, and was relieved when she found it, unharmed. “Quit that,” she told them. That’s a sign that you’re going crazy, talking to shadows, a cheerful voice said. But one would expect that from someone with your power. You ae a SHADOWSPIN. “I do NOT have any powers,” Rose said, confused. “And what from earth to the Golden Gates is a Shadowspin?” Yes, yes, yes, the shadow said boredly. I am a talking shadow. You have powers no one knows about except your sister, Feather, who has the power herself. A Shadowspin is a cat who talks to shadows. Aka, you and Feather. “Am I going crazy?” Rose asked them. “And sorry to leave you to boredom but I got a tower to topple and a town to escape.” The shadows twirled around her. Oooooh! It spoke. Destruction! We can help, you know! “How,” Rose asked. I’ll tell you if speak in our language! “How do I do that?” Rose asked uncertainly. Just think thoughts to us, the shadows hissed. Like…this? Rose thought. Exactly, the shadow said. Now, we will possess your spirit, allowing you to unleash your Shadowspin rage! Or, as most say, unleash your Shattershadows. Hold on, what!? Rose asked, but the shadows were already swirling around her. It’ll be fine, the shadow promised, swooping in her. It felt as if she had wings; she was lifted into the air. Small wisps of black curled from Rose’s body. They struck soft spots in the rotten wood. Rose saw herself from the air. I detached you from your body, the shadow explained as Rose’s (the one the shadows were consuming) eyes turned a very creepy black. It should have been more dramatic, but Rose was fascinated as the building shook. We need to get out of here, the shadow said. Follow me. The shadow led Rose to a hole she-being possessed-had made. Quick! The shadow yelped when a huge chunk fell. Rose could’ve sworn she heard Grey’s confused hiss, and she pictured him turning around, wide eyed, as the building collapsed.
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